Paradise couple arrested in 'shake and bake' methamphetamine case

PARADISE — A husband and wife were arrested by Paradise Police Friday night on three drug charges, in what law enforcement says is the first Butte County case of the "shake and bake" method of manufacturing methamphetamine.

David Thomas Tranah, 23, and Candace Heather Tranah, 23, were arrested late Friday night at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall on Skyway.

According to a press release, officers say the Tranahs were in a group of four people they contacted in the VFW courtyard on Skyway at about 11:22 p.m.

Police say they allegedly found David Tranah showing signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance, and was arrested on that charge.

Police also say while they were interviewing Candace Tranah about her husband's condition, she allegedly admitted to being in possession of methamphetamine. She was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Police allege David Tranah was in possession of a 20-ounce clear plastic bottle containing an unknown liquid.

Officers searched the courtyard and found shopping bags and a backpack that police say Candace Tranah said were her husband's.

Police found miscellaneous glassware and other ingredients believed to be associated with a method of manufacturing methamphetamine known as "shake and bake" were discovered.

Members of the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force responded and confirmed the items police found were consistent with the "shake and bake" method, the first such case in Butte County.

Police are now warning about opening any unknown discarded disposable bottles containing an off-white or brackish solution.

Due to the volatile and toxic nature of the ingredients, they pose a significant safety hazard to the public.

All components and ingredients for this method can fit in a standard backpack.

David Tranah is also facing a manufacturing of methamphetamine in addition to the under the influence charge.